CTDT-Zambia
Lives Saved, Inequalities Addressed, Fostering Resilience and Transformation (LIFT Zambia)
The LIFT Zambia Project running from 2025–2030 is supported by the NCA–DCA Joint Country Program. The project aims to strengthen sustainable local food systems by promoting land use mapping and agroecology through a whole-farm approach. The LIFT Zambia Programme is implemented through hubs, with CTDT belonging to the Lusaka/Central and Southern hubs. Alongside CTDT, these hubs comprise Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM), the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z), and the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR). The hub structure was designed to foster complementarity among partners, recognizing that each organization contributes unique strengths and expertise to the programme. This collaborative approach enhances synergies, maximizes impact, and ensures a holistic implementation of LIFT Zambia’s objectives.
​
Within the Lusaka/Central Hub, CTDT serves as an implementing partner in Rufunsa District, directly targeting 750 households. On the other hand, under the Southern Hub in Mumbwa District, CTDT provides technical support, reinforcing the work of other implementing partners and ensuring quality delivery.
The project is designed to be inclusive, ensuring the participation of at least 50% women, 10% youth, and people with disabilities (PWDs). Implementation will be done through community and school gardens, complemented by coordinated market systems that improve access to nutritious food and income opportunities.
Thematic Areas
Economic Development and Food Security (EDFS
Under the thematic area of Economic Development and Food Security, the project aims to achieve sustainable and climate-resilient food production. It focuses on building community capacity in agroecological practices, demonstrating whole-farm approaches as learning sites, and promoting climate-smart production systems. To enhance technology and efficiency, farmers and vulnerable groups are trained in climate risk early warning systems, including digital tools, while advocacy efforts promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups’ needs. Post-production management is strengthened through the establishment of farmers’ markets, local food centers, and improved processing and preservation of local crops.
​
The project also advances food security by supporting the establishment of community gardens that provide both household nutrition and income opportunities, while fostering entrepreneurial capacities. Nutrition education and cooking classes strengthen food safety knowledge and build community advocacy on food access and policy issues. School gardens are introduced as part of youth-based programming, enabling students to learn practical skills in sustainable production. Local food producers are further supported to participate in fairs, workshops, and dialogues that strengthen local food systems and market access.
​
Climate and Environmental Stewardship (CES)
Within the thematic area of climate and environmental stewardship, the project promotes sustainable resource management by engaging communities in participatory land use mapping. This ensures equitable and sustainable use of natural resources, while contributing to resilience and long-term environmental stewardship.